How do I avoid giving my address

I would go ahead with the request for debt validation, and in the same letter, advise them that they are to cease and desist collection efforts by phone or mail until they can verify the debt is actually yours. Also let them know that you will not communicate in any other form other than by mail, in writing. Send your letter via certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you have proof they received it.

I wouldn't be worried about a lawsuit - if, as you say, the account is not yours, then a lawsuit would go nowhere!

Obtain a PO box or UPS mailbox and use that as your address until you get rid of these scumbags.

I got a call from them and they asked for my name. I answered if your calling my home and I have a debt shouldn't you know who you are calling. Their reply madam we don't have that information in front of us, you provide your name then we look it up. I told them not to call again.

If you cease and desit them, how do you expect them to mail you validation? Pick one or the other, you can always follow the validation request up with a cease and desit.

it is a limited cease and desist.it would limit phone calls but allow for mail contact.

Also, you cannot cease a CA over the phone. It must be done in writing.

And unfortunately, they don't have to obey a "limited C&D". You can however, inform them that they cannot call you at work as it places your employment at jeopardy and you can detail inconvient times to call (day sleeper, no calls b/w 5 &6pm during dinner, etc...) It's just very difficult to prove to a judge that all calls to you are inconvenient. I know Skydivr was able to find a biddable judge in one of his cases but I would consider that the exception. I simply throw in the calls to my employer and inform them I will record all calls.

If it's a full cease comm then it must be in writing and they are allowed to contact you one time after recieving it to inform you a) they will not contact you again or b) any specific action they intend to take.

What law governs or forbids debt collectors from calling you attempting to collect on debts owed by former spouses, which you have proved are not yours to pay. At some point these calls turn into harassment.

The FDCPA forbids any kind of fraudulent dealings. File a complaint with the FTC, the FCC, and your State Attorney General.